Hollywood Needs To Fail Again

[BattleCat]

This. We'll be seeing reboots and sequels for a very long time, because movie goers are fine with it.

With Fast Five looking to be a huge success I think the big question could be raised again: Why would Hollywood even try to make original movies when they easily can make big money with sequels and stuff? I think you could say that we get the movies we deserve.

 

[KRIM]

you know whats also a problem? people not watching unique,original risky movies.

I disagree. There is enough variety.

Fact is, if there is a brain dead action movie playing and a thoughtful, deep psychological drama playing, the vast majority of people will pick the brain dead action movie.

With Fast Five looking to be a huge success I think the big question could be raised again: Why would Hollywood even try to make original movies when they easily can make big money with sequels and stuff? I think you could say that we get the movies we deserve.

This, this, and this. Hollywood is a business so they have no allegiance to how and what movies are made, so long as it makes them the big bucks. They're playing it "safe" because that's where the demand is. I can think of at least a dozen original films these past 2 years, that absolutely bombed. That isn't Hollywood's fault. If the audience wants change, they'll have to do it through their pockets.

Not everyone is like Nolan, who can transition between the indie and blockbuster spectrum with ease. Inception was a success, and thus, he will continue to be granted projects he loves. With this whole Guillermo situation, I can't get too angry because that was a whole lot of money to throw at too many unknown variables. Snyder was in a better position than Guillermo to direct an R-rated blockbuster and look how that turned out for WB. It's so easy to criticize studios when it's not your money being risked. Guillermo needs his 300, his Batman, to get in good faith.

People need to get used to the fact that the talent pool will always be overwhelmed by trash. There isn't a single industry or genre that this isn't true for. There's never going to be this magical Renaissance in which the majority output will be instant classics.

 

[Solidus]

This, this, and this. Hollywood is a business so they have no allegiance to how and what movies are made, so long as it makes them the big bucks. They're playing it "safe" because that's where the demand is. I can think of at least a dozen original films these past 2 years, that absolutely bombed. That isn't Hollywood's fault. If the audience wants change, they'll have to do it through their pockets.

Not everyone is like Nolan, who can transition between the indie and blockbuster spectrum with ease. Inception was a success, and thus, he will continue to be granted projects he loves. With this whole Guillermo situation, I can't get too angry because that was a whole lot of money to throw at too many unknown variables. Snyder was in a better position than Guillermo to direct an R-rated blockbuster and look how that turned out for WB. It's so easy to criticize studios when it's not your money being risked. Guillermo needs his 300, his Batman, to get in good faith.

People need to get used to the fact that the talent pool will always be overwhelmed by trash. There isn't a single industry or genre that this isn't true for. There's never going to be this magical Renaissance in which the majority output will be instant classics.

Very well said.

 

[TheVileOne]

Except the 1980's .

Honestly the good movies are out there if you look for them. The big event movies have gotten a lot worse, yeah. But there are still good enjoyable movies.

 

[Wheels]

Big event films suck. I prefer small indie films with guys in tights who fight crime.

 

[Warhammer]

If you're talking about Scott Pilgrim, the main problem with Scott Pilgrim was having a main actor who isn't sellable, among other problems (Don't take it the wrong way, I liked the film).

And Avatar, despite what people say, is an original film. So is Inception. Scott Pilgrim just lacked the appeal those films had.

Hahaha, most hilarious thing I've read in a while.

 

[Mrs. Sawyer]

Did you forget to read what context I was using that in?

 

[JeetKuneDo]

This article assumes that the studios are controlling what people want to watch. It's the other way around. The studios are going to put out a product their costumers want.

There are plenty of great movies being put out. I still haven't gotten around to watching all the movies I want to see from last year. There is crap being put out...but a LOT of people don't seem to think it's crap. Who am I to tell everyone they are wrong for liking Transformers, Twilight, and Shrek?

And do I think Avatar, Harry Potter, The Dark Knight, etc. are as great as the general public does? No....but there are plenty of other movies that I do love.

The best part is...I choose which movie I want to buy a ticket for. And I do. Problem...solved.

I do know this, my top 4 movies from last year included two remakes and a sequel....so I don't see a problem with those two things. Just because some of them suck doesn't mean they all suck.

1-Let Me In
2-Toy Story 3
3-Kick Ass
4-True Grit
5-Mother

 

[8wid]

This article assumes that the studios are controlling what people want to watch. It's the other way around. The studios are going to put out a product their costumers want.

What about the writers, directors, actors, model makers and other staff too?

 

[Alien Anal]

What about not being a part of Hollywood.. Take indie films to the next level. :P

 

[Warhammer]

Did you forget to read what context I was using that in?

Was it sarcasm? You seemed declarative to me.

 

[chaseter]

There aren't that many original ideas really left anymore. There are a couple of really good movies with original ideas that come out each year but lets be honest...how many movies are there where toys come to life? How many movies are there of space frontiersmen that battle evil aliens? How many movies deal with a killer trying to kill the heroins? It's just a matter of how well the movie is written, directed, and acted.

People don't want to try and tackle those ideas because they don't want the audience to feel as if they had seen it before. Even Matthew Vaughn said that he scrapped an entire sequence for First Class because it was too much like Inception and he didn't want people to make the comparison or say Vaughn copied Nolan.

 

[Sith Scotti]

The article contradicts itself . Films that took chances for the most part failed and the safe pop corn films make money . I can tell you right Transformers 3 will make over 300 million again , no matter how much fanboys whine . It sells .

Jeet said it right . Blame the consumer.

Look at prime examples
Let Me in I loved but bomed
Kick Ass Loved but underperformed
Scott Pilgrim - Was in theaters for 2 weeks .

Fast and the Furious msakes 85 million opening weekend . We will be seeing more Vin Die. Michael Bay will keep working no matter how much his films are critically panned because he has an audience/

 

[Godzilla2014]

This, this, and this. Hollywood is a business so they have no allegiance to how and what movies are made, so long as it makes them the big bucks. They're playing it "safe" because that's where the demand is. I can think of at least a dozen original films these past 2 years, that absolutely bombed. That isn't Hollywood's fault. If the audience wants change, they'll have to do it through their pockets.

Not everyone is like Nolan, who can transition between the indie and blockbuster spectrum with ease. Inception was a success, and thus, he will continue to be granted projects he loves. With this whole Guillermo situation, I can't get too angry because that was a whole lot of money to throw at too many unknown variables. Snyder was in a better position than Guillermo to direct an R-rated blockbuster and look how that turned out for WB. It's so easy to criticize studios when it's not your money being risked. Guillermo needs his 300, his Batman, to get in good faith.

People need to get used to the fact that the talent pool will always be overwhelmed by trash. There isn't a single industry or genre that this isn't true for. There's never going to be this magical Renaissance in which the majority output will be instant classics.

Agreed. For every Christopher Nolan, there is at least one Michael Bay.

This article assumes that the studios are controlling what people want to watch. It's the other way around. The studios are going to put out a product their costumers want.

There are plenty of great movies being put out. I still haven't gotten around to watching all the movies I want to see from last year. There is crap being put out...but a LOT of people don't seem to think it's crap. Who am I to tell everyone they are wrong for liking Transformers, Twilight, and Shrek?

And do I think Avatar, Harry Potter, The Dark Knight, etc. are as great as the general public does? No....but there are plenty of other movies that I do love.

The best part is...I choose which movie I want to buy a ticket for. And I do. Problem...solved.

I do know this, my top 4 movies from last year included two remakes and a sequel....so I don't see a problem with those two things. Just because some of them suck doesn't mean they all suck.

1-Let Me In
2-Toy Story 3
3-Kick Ass
4-True Grit
5-Mother

I agree. I am all for good adaptations, sequels, reboots, and remakes. I am against bad ones. The article seems to be based on existing = bad, original = good, but I can tell you there have been many bad movies based on original ideas. Quality and Originality are independent of one another.

There aren't that many original ideas really left anymore. There are a couple of really good movies with original ideas that come out each year but lets be honest...how many movies are there where toys come to life? How many movies are there of space frontiersmen that battle evil aliens? How many movies deal with a killer trying to kill the heroins? It's just a matter of how well the movie is written, directed, and acted.

People don't want to try and tackle those ideas because they don't want the audience to feel as if they had seen it before. Even Matthew Vaughn said that he scrapped an entire sequence for First Class because it was too much like Inception and he didn't want people to make the comparison or say Vaughn copied Nolan.

Agreed. For example, I didn't mind the origin story in BATMAN BEGINS because I found it very compelling, even though it wasn't the first time that an origin story was told. Being formulaic is only a bad thing if the film (or any work, for that matter) doesn't do anything interesting with that formula and it is boring.

The article contradicts itself . Films that took chances for the most part failed and the safe pop corn films make money . I can tell you right Transformers 3 will make over 300 million again , no matter how much fanboys whine . It sells .

Jeet said it right . Blame the consumer.

Look at prime examples
Let Me in I loved but bomed
Kick Ass Loved but underperformed
Scott Pilgrim - Was in theaters for 2 weeks .

Fast and the Furious msakes 85 million opening weekend . We will be seeing more Vin Die. Michael Bay will keep working no matter how much his films are critically panned because he has an audience/

Agreed.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

What about the writers, directors, actors, model makers and other staff too?

They are stuck in the same boat as the studios. Everyone is free to make what ever movie that want, but the public is free to buy the tickets to the movies they like....regardless of whether or not the artists in the industry agree with the quality of what the public wants.

I totally get the frustration. I wonder what the heck is in the public's mind myself. But then I have to stop and chide myself for assuming I have some secret knowledge of what "good taste" is. Who am I to tell a 14 year old girl that she is wrong to like Justin Beaber? I certainly don't "get it", but she seems really happy.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

There aren't that many original ideas really left anymore. There are a couple of really good movies with original ideas that come out each year but lets be honest...how many movies are there where toys come to life? How many movies are there of space frontiersmen that battle evil aliens? How many movies deal with a killer trying to kill the heroins? It's just a matter of how well the movie is written, directed, and acted.

People don't want to try and tackle those ideas because they don't want the audience to feel as if they had seen it before. Even Matthew Vaughn said that he scrapped an entire sequence for First Class because it was too much like Inception and he didn't want people to make the comparison or say Vaughn copied Nolan.

I heard about that one. (probably on this forum) And of course Inception has been done before too. http://disneycomics.free.fr/Ducks/Rosa/show.php?num=1&loc=D2002-033&s=date

I have also heard some people claim that Shakespeare wrote every possible story that can be written and everyone since is just riffing off of what he did. One might say the same for Beethoven and Mozart.

As you say it's all about how well it's done.

 

[Lord]

Sorry for the necro, but i believe this thread deserves a ressurrection.

Every studio is now trying to create a "mega-franchise" like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with WB trying to expand their DC universe and to lead into Justice League, SONY is now giving Spider-Man spin-offs in the form of Venom and Sinister Six, and Fox hoping to connect the upcoming FF reboot with the X-Men films. And this idea isn't just being planned for Superhero films, now Disney also wants to make annual Star Wars films, Universal plans to bring Universal Monsters back, Hasbro is seriously thinking of a Transformers/ G.I.Joe crossover, there are rumors of another Army of Darkness and Evil Dead film respectivelly that would then get an "event" film to cross old and new characters, and finally, there are even some rumors of expanding the Fast & Furious brand into various spin-offs.

The situation in Hollywood seems to be getting a little depressing, and the fact that each studios is getting desperate to build their oun Mega-franchises may lead into oversaturation. I'm still hopeful that Cinema won't end up like this, with only brands and expensive "events" that you forget soon after, this will just turn some people off entirelly, not to mention the constantly rising ticket prices,i don't really know how the industry works, but if Theaters started to drop the price a bit, more would make it a habit of going into the Cinema again.

 

[Octoberist]

Hollywood doesn't learn. They like to finish second place, so they'll ride any trend out there.

TV is where it's at.

 

[Octoberist]

Also, keep in the mind, the Hollywood system is archaic and they don't want to change. For good reasons I suppose. Change is hard, AND some people will lose their jobs.

 

[Donnie Darko]

I think people overreact to the whole blockbuster/franchise craze. Yes, there is about to be a 4th Transformers in theaters, but that didn't keep Dallas Buyers Club, 12 Years a Slave, or anything else from coming out. People enjoy blockbusters, and they are as much a social event as they are an entertainment event (like girlfriends/wives will go with their boyfriends/husbands to a football game and have fun even if they care nothing about the sport).

There are great films out there. Go see them. Or go see Transformers. You're not hurting anyone by doing either of those things.

 

[Octoberist]

Personally, I think the mid-range blockbusters are coming back.

I think with tentpoles though, we need more original IPs. Original that doesn't need a John Carter budget.

 

[Lord]

I think people overreact to the whole blockbuster/franchise craze. Yes, there is about to be a 4th Transformers in theaters, but that didn't keep Dallas Buyers Club, 12 Years a Slave, or anything else from coming out. People enjoy blockbusters, and they are as much a social event as they are an entertainment event (like girlfriends/wives will go with their boyfriends/husbands to a football game and have fun even if they care nothing about the sport).

There are great films out there. Go see them. Or go see Transformers. You're not hurting anyone by doing either of those things.

Transformers is far from being oversaturation, it's only in its 4th film and it has earned every sequel, unlike most other franchises where the studios are already planning 2 or 3 sequels before they're even released. And my problem is actually originality in Blockbusters, not the lack of original films.

 

[zeroapoc]

I think people overreact to the whole blockbuster/franchise craze. Yes, there is about to be a 4th Transformers in theaters, but that didn't keep Dallas Buyers Club, 12 Years a Slave, or anything else from coming out. People enjoy blockbusters, and they are as much a social event as they are an entertainment event (like girlfriends/wives will go with their boyfriends/husbands to a football game and have fun even if they care nothing about the sport).

There are great films out there. Go see them. Or go see Transformers. You're not hurting anyone by doing either of those things.

This. Plenty of great films are out there.

 

[terry78]

I think the issue is that some people feel the fact that bad or more blockbuster-ish "dumb" flicks even exist and make money is like an affront to cinema in general. Their very existence offends them or some ****.

 

[Lord]

I have no problem with dumb blockbusters, i myself enjoy my fix of Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones or even the likes of Transformers, but i don't like how it's all about brands now. We still get things like Inception, The Life of Pi and Gravity, but they're still the exception, instead of more Star Wars or Spider-Man spin-offs, i think that those are the types of films we need.

Even some directors seem to be starting to be shoved on the side, Spielberg has stated recently that he has been having a problem with financing in his new films, even after all he did for the Industry in the first place, then you get the rising Directors from the 2000s like Sam Raimi and Gore Verbinsky, who seemed like they would have a bright future, however, they're almost forgotten by now.